RESIDENTS and councillors are calling for a Coventry newsagent to be prevented from selling booze.

Graham Williamson, owner of Quinton News, in Quinton Parade, Cheylesmore, has applied for a licence to sell alcohol from 6am until 10pm seven days a week.

But residents have submitted objection letters to Coventry City Council ahead of a licensing committee meeting today.

They fear allowing the shop to sell booze would attract more anti-social behaviour and expose children to alcohol as they walk past the shop on their way to Manor Park Primary.

One nearby resident said: “I am concerned the licence would attract customers who have an alcohol addiction with the accompanying anti-social problems that this attracts.

“The proposal would increase the safety risk for other people using other outlets in the parade.

“The customer base is made up mostly of children and older people who would feel intimidated by the type of customer that the availability of early-morning alcohol would attract.

“The shop is situated on a route regularly used by children on their way to and from school. They would be exposed to the risks of alcohol and problem drinkers.

“Over the past few years the community and councillors have worked hard with the police to reduce crime and public nuisance in the community. I feel this work would be destroyed with the granting of this licence.”

Another resident said: “Problem drinkers buy their alcohol and then immediately go behind the shops among the garages and drink leaving their cans and bottles strewn around, plus they urinate in these areas.

“If approached, the drinkers are abusive and it’s a scary situation.”

A third added: “The area is passed by children of all ages on the way to school.

“They potentially could be exposed to individuals who need alcohol. It also may deliver the message of the acceptability of drinking alcohol at any hour.

“I believe we have a duty to consider future harm to children. It may develop a meeting point for those needing alcohol giving the opportunity for disorder.”